Dementia prevention possible as WHO highlights tobacco, isolation and inactivity among key risk drivers
The World Health Organization has released updated guidelines stating that up to 45 percent of dementia cases could be prevented or delayed by addressing modifiable risk factors. Key drivers identified include tobacco use, physical inactivity, social isolation, and air pollution.
Why it matters
This provides a public health roadmap for reducing the global burden of dementia, shifting the focus toward preventative lifestyle and environmental interventions.
GENEVA, July 16 — Up to 45 per cent of dementia risk could be prevented or delayed, the World Health Organisation said Wednesday, citing modifiable risk factors such as tobacco and air pollution.
Dementia is the seventh leading cause of death and a major cause of disability and dependency among older people globally.
Dementia is caused by brain diseases and affects memory, thinking and the ability to function.
“While there is no cure for dementia, up to 45 per cent of the risks can be attributed to modifiable risk factors such as tobacco, alcohol use, social isolation, physical inactivity, air pollution and noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), including high blood pressure and diabetes,” the WHO said in a statement.
More than 57 million people live with dementia worldwide and nearly 10 million people get diagnosed every year, it said.
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